The Midnight Visitor – Class 10 English Chapter 11 Complete Question Answers and Solutions | ASSEB / SEBA
Class 10 English Chapter 11 – The Midnight Visitor Complete Question Answers and Exam Solutions (ASSEB / SEBA Assam)
The eleventh chapter of the Class 10 English syllabus (from the supplementary reader ‘Footprints Without Feet’), ‘The Midnight Visitor’ written by Robert Arthur, is a highly important chapter. For the upcoming HSLC 2027 examination, the complete question answers for this story have been prepared based on the new ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board) syllabus and the latest National Education Policy (NEP) blueprint. This special collection includes Very Short Answers (VSA / MCQ), Short Questions, Long Answers, and vocabulary exercises, along with a detailed solution of Previous Years’ Board Exam Questions (PYQ). At Ospin Academy, these solutions are provided in a simple, accurate, and completely exam-oriented manner.
This thrilling detective story revolves around a secret agent named Ausable, who does not fit the typical physical description of a spy. When a rival agent named Max breaks into his hotel room with a pistol to steal a highly confidential report, Ausable uses his extraordinary presence of mind and quick thinking. He invents a clever story about a non-existent balcony, successfully outwitting and eliminating the threat without using any physical force. It is essential for HSLC candidates to understand the core theme, character traits, and significance of this lesson. Our Question Bank covers not only the textbook exercises but also includes extra probable board questions and answers to ensure 100% preparation for the students.
What you will learn and get from this chapter:
- Detailed analysis of Ausable’s character, his cleverness, and how appearances can be deceptive.
- Word meanings, perfect answers for 1-mark objective (VSA) and 2-3 marks short questions.
- Easy and standard solutions for 4-5 marks long descriptive questions explaining how Ausable outwitted Max.
- Textual grammar, vocabulary exercises, and correct sentence structures.
- Pattern analysis of frequently asked board questions and solutions to the latest MCQ models.
Special Features by Ospin Academy for HSLC 2027 Exam:
- Complete Question Bank prepared based on the latest ASSEB blueprint for HSLC 2027.
- Detailed solutions for the Previous 10 Years’ Questions (PYQ) and 27 Districts Pre-Board Exam Papers (2026).
- 100% accurate, high-quality notes written in simple English for easy memorization.
- Specially designed PDF format for last-minute quick revision before the exams.
- A curated list of 100% common board suggestions and expected questions from this chapter.
Ospin Academy offers this specialized course keeping in mind the academic growth of the students. Start your HSLC 2027 preparation now and step towards securing the highest marks in the English subject.
Class 10 English Question Bank ASSEB HSLC 2027 | Complete Chapter-wise Solutions PDF
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Class 10th English
The Midnight Visitor
HSLC Board Previous Year MCQs with Answers
1. “Read the following statements and choose the correct option given below {2026}
Statement 1: Ausable tricked Max to save both his and Max’s life and the report.
Statement 2: The report was very important because it contained secret information about Ausable.
(A) Both the statements are correct.
(B) Both the statements are false.
(C) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is false.
(D) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is correct.”
Answer: B
2. “Ausable was a ___ fellow. {2026}
(A) fat and lazy
(B) fat and sloppy
(C) thin and enthusiastic
(D) thin and sloppy”
Answer: B
3. And as the light came on Fowler had his first authentic thrill of the day. In this sentence from The Midnight Visitor what thrill is being referred to?
{2025}
(A) A stranger with a pistol stood inside the hotel room.
(B) The hotel had arranged for a surprise wel-come.
(C) Fowler was thrilled to enter the luxurious ho-tel room.
(D) Fowler came to know of a secret shared by Ausable
Answer: A
4. Thirty-one minutes, Ausable said moodily. The appointment was for twelve-thirty. I wish I knew you learned about the report Max What report was referred to by Ausable? [Hint The Midnight Visitor]
{2025}
(A) Report concerning some new missiles
(B) Report concerning espionage
(C) Report on Nazi occupation
(D) Report concerning World Wars
Answer: A
5. Fowler felt let down. Why [Hint: The Midnight Visitor] Because-
{2025}
(A) Fowler did not get good food to eat.
(B) Fowler realised that the secret agent was not coming to the hotel.
(C) The secret agent led him to a hotel room which was rather gloomy.
(D) Fowler could not understand what the secret agent said.
Answer: C
6. Max wanted the report back from Ausable. It was a report concerning.
{2024}
(A) Health
(B) Finance
(C) Missile
(D) Constructions
Answer: C
7. The first event of the day that thrilled Fowler was
{2024}
(A) Ausable’s plan regarding the secret report
(B) The appearance of a man with a small auto-matic pistol
(C) The excellent amblence of the room
(D) The visit of thee waiter with food
Answer: B
8. Max was like a _______ , according to the author of ‘The Midnight Visitor’. {2023}
(A) Deer
(B) Hayena
(C) Wolf
(D) Fox
Answer: D
9. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct op-
tion: {2024}
Statement 1: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession of a detective.
Statement 2: All detective must know how to speak French.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement is 2 false
(B) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true
(C) Both Statement I and Statement 2 are true
(D) Both Statement I and Statement 2 are false
Answer: A
Common Pre-Board MCQs (2025–26) with Answers
1. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option: {Bajali}
Statement 1: Fowler thought Max to be in Ausable’s room through the nuisance of the balcony as demanded by Ausable.
Statement 2: Fowler believed the existence of the balcony until its reality was uncovered.
(A) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false but 2 is true
(C) Both the statements 1 and 2 are true
(D) Both the statements 1 and 2 are false
Answer: B
2. Ausable spoke French and German passably. The synonym of the underlined word in above mentioned sentence is: {Bajali}
(A) Inadequately
(B) Insufficiently
(C) Satisfactorily
(D) Immoderately
Answer: C
3. Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent. What is the different about Ausable? {Baksa}
(A) Does not look like an agent.
(B) Gets only a phone call for appointments in his room.
(C) Does not get messages slipped by dark eyed beauties.
(D) Fat not so good looking.
(a) A and B
(b) C and D
(c) A, B and D
(d) All the above
Answer: D
4. Max had entered Ausable’s room in order to_____. {Baksa}
(A) rob him
(B) kill him
(C) get some important papers
(D) surprise him
Answer: C
5. Assertion (A) : Max jumped on to the balcony of Ausable’s hotel room. {Barpeta}
Reason (R) : Henry, the policeman, came following the instruction of Ausable to arrest Max.
(A) A is true, R is true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are false.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) Both A and R are true, but R doesn’t support A.
Answer: B
6. In the lesson “The Midnight Visitor”, Ausable’s cleverness is shown through his ability to – {Bongaigaon}
(A) Handle the dangerous situation calmly by creating a believable story that completely misled Max.
(B) Face the unexpected danger bravely by defeating Max only on his physical strength.
(C) Manage the tense moment confidently by waiting for real police officers to arrive and save him.
(D) Deal with the sudden threat fearlessly by shouting for help and hoping someone would rescue him.
Answer: A
7. “You are disillusioned,” Ausable told him. “But take a cheer, my young friend. Presently you will see a paper ______.” Choose the meaning of the underlined words from the options: {Bongaigaon}
(A) Disinterest, to shout
(B) Disrespect, greeted
(C) Disappointment, a shout of applause in excitement
(D) Disagreement, a horror sound
Answer: C
8. Choose the part of the hotel through which Ausable thought Max had entered his room. {Bongaigaon}
(A) Option 3
(B) Option 4
(C) Option 1
(D) Option 2
Answer: A
9. “Thirty one minutes”, Ausable said moodily. “The appointment was for twelve thirty” When was the appointment fixed? {Cachar}
(A) Twelve hour and thirty minute
(B) Twelve hour and thirty one minute
(C) Thirty one minute.
(D) Twelve hour.
Answer: A
10. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight visitor’ and choose the correct option. {Charaideo}
Statement 1 : Ausable was , for one thing , thin.
Statement 2 : Max was slender , a little less than tall.
(A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false
Answer: B
11. When did Ausable move to Paris? {Charaideo}
(A) 5 years ago
(B) 10 years ago
(C) 20 years ago
(D) 25 years ago
Answer: C
12. The first event of the day that thrilled Fowler was – {Charaideo}
(A) The appearance of a man with a small automatic pistol
(B) The visit of the waiter with food
(C) The excellent ambience of the room
(D) Ausable’s plan regarding the secret report
Answer: A
13. According to Ausable, how did Max enter his room? {Darrang}
(A) by using a passkey
(B) through the balcony
(C) using the stairs
(D) through the next apartment
Answer: B
14. Assertion: Max wanted the report which Ausable was about to get. For, Max thought that it was not safe in Ausable’s hand.
Reason : The report was quite important for which several men and women had risked their lives. {Darrang}
(A) Both A and R are true, R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true but R is false
(D) A is false but R is true
Answer: A
15. “You are disappointed.” Ausable thought that Fowler was disappointed. It was because– {Dhubri}
(A) He saw that Ausable lived in a small room of a gloomy hotel in France.
(B) He had spent a dull evening with Ausable who had not gotten any message from the dark beauties in the music hall.
(C) He found Ausable very fat unlike any other secret agent.
(D) Ausable told Fowler that he would not give him any information regarding the new missiles.
Answer: C
16. “The knocking was repeated-” By whom was the knocking made? {Golaghat}
(A) The policeman
(B) The waiter
(C) Ausable’s friend
(D) A stranger
Answer: B
17. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option- {Golaghat}
Statement 1: Ausable had the ability to create instant stories.
Statement 2: Ausable had an excellent presence of mind because he was a secret agent.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true.
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true,
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
18. Which of the following is appropriate regarding Ausable’s character while handling the critical situation with Max? {Golaghat}
(A) He is impulsive and reckless
(B) He is calm and clever
(C) He is cowardly and fearful
(D) He is aggressive and violent.
Answer: B
19. Why does Max believe Ausable’s story about the balcony outside his window?{Hailakandi}
(A) Max had seen the balcony.earlier that night
(B) Ausable showed him official documents
(C) Ausable spoke confidently and logically, making the story sound convincing
(D) The hotel manager confirmed the existence of the balcony
Answer: C
20. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct option: {Hojai}
Statement-I: In the story, “The Midnight Visitor”, it was proved that Max was a good detective.
Statement-II: Ausable jumped off from the top floor of the French hotel.
(A) Statement-I is true and Statement-II is false.
(B) Statement-I is false and Statement-II is true.
(C) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true.
(D) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are false.
Answer: D
21. The first event of the day that thrilled Fowler was – {Hojai}
(A) Ausable’s plan regarding the secret report.
(B) The appearance of a man with a small automatic pistol.
(C) The excellent ambience of the room
(D) The visit of the waiter with food.
Answer: B
22. “It was a small room, on the sixth and top floor, and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure.” What is the meaning of the underlined word? {Jorhat}
(A) Loving
(B) Exciting
(C) Idealistic
(D) Passionate
Answer: B
23. Arrange the following events in the correct order: {Jorhat}
i) Ausable described the balcony outside his window.
ii) Max entered Ausable’s room with a pistol.
iii) Someone knocked at the door.
iv) Max moved towards the window to escape.
(A) i, iii, ii, iv
(B) i, ii, iv, iii
(C) ii, i, iii, iv
(D) ii, iii, iv, i
Answer: C
24. “And as the light came on, Fowler had his first authentic thrill of the day.” In this sentence from “The Midnight Visitor”, what thrill is being referred to? {Jorhat}
(A) A stranger with a pistol stood inside the hotel room.
(B) The hotel had arranged a surprise welcome.
(C) Fowler was thrilled to enter the luxurious hotel room.
(D) Fowler came to know of a secret shared by Ausable.
Answer: A
25. In ‘The Midnight Visitor’, Fowler is a _____ by profession. {Kamrup R}
(A) spy
(B) cop
(C) hotel manager
(D) writer
Answer: D
26. Who was actually knocking at the door of Ausable’s room? {Kamrup R}
(A) the police
(B) the waiter
(C) Max
(D) Ausable
Answer: B
27. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option: {Kamrup R}
Statement 1: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession of a detective.
Statement 2: All detectives must know how to speak French.
(A) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and 2 are false.
(D) Both statement 1 and 2 are true.
Answer: A
28. Max wanted the report back from Ausable. It was a report concerning _____. {Kamrup R}
(A) health
(B) finance
(C) missiles
(D) constructions
Answer: C
29. The reason Fowler was disappointed by Ausable when he met him was because Ausable{ Kamrup M}
(A) lived in a shady French hotel.
(B) didn’t have the personality of a spy.
(C) was related to the cops.
(D) had a very good accent.
Answer: B
30. Ausable had _______ accent (from “The Midnight Visitor”.) {Kamrup M}
(A) American
(B) French
(C) British
(D) All the above
Answer: A
31. Read the following statements and choose the correct option :- {Kokrajhar}
Statement 1: Ausable was a very fat person and he could speak French and German passably.
Statement 2: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession of a detective.
(A) Statement 1 is true statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false statement 2 is true
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false
Answer: C
32. In the story ‘The midnight Visitor’ Ausable shows his— {Kokrajhar}
(A) Presence of mind
(B) Ability to think quickly
(C) Ability to act calmly
(D) All of the above
Answer: D
33. Arrange the events with reference to your reading the story ‘Midnight visitor’ in the correct order: {Lakhimpur}
1.Max enters the room with a gun.
2.A knock is heard at the door.
3.Ausable tells the story of the balcony.
4.Max jumps out of the window.
(A) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
(B) 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
(C) 1 → 3 → 2 → 4
(D) 3 → 2 → 1 → 4
Answer: C
34. Ausable’s handling of the situation in the story ‘Midnight visitor’ teaches that real problem-solving requires: {Lakhimpur}
(A) Strength and weapons
(B) Calm thinking under pressure
(C) Immediate aggression
(D) Running away from danger
Answer: B
35. Ausable’s appearance was _____. {Udalguri}
(A) Fat and sloppy
(B) Fat and enthusiastic
(C) Thin and sloppy
(D) Thin and enthusiastic
Answer: A
36. Fowler was a ______. {Udalguri}
(A) Thief
(B) Doctor
(C) Reporter
(D) Spy
Answer: C
37. “Max,” he wheezed, “you gave me quite a start. I thought you were in Berlin. What are you doing here in my room?” How did Ausable feel when he saw Max in the room? {Udalguri}
(A) relaxed
(B) confused
(C) happy
(D) shocked
Answer: D
38. According to Ausable they would have to wait for the report for– {Tamulpur}
(A) thirty one minutes
(B) thirty minutes
(C) about an hour
(D) thirteen minutes
Answer: A
39. Max actually entered Ausable’s room ______. {Tamulpur}
(A) With a passkey
(B) Through the window.
(C) With the main gate.
(D) He was already inside.
Answer: A
40. Read the following statement with reference to “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct option- {SSM}
Statement 1:- Ausable was indeed a clever secret agent.
Statement 2:- Max was befooled by Ausable.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
41. Ausable turned a dangerous situation into an advantage by – {Sribhumi}
(A) showing physical strength.
(B) making up a believable story.
(C) calling the police immediately.
(D) hiding under the bed.
Answer: B
42. Ausable turned a dangerous situation into an advantage by – (Same question as Q4) {Sribhumi}
(A) showing physical strength.
(B) making up a believable story.
(C) calling the police immediately.
(D) hiding under the bed.
Answer: B
43. What was Fowler’s “first thrill of the day”? {Sribhumi}
(A) meeting Ausable in the hotel.
(B) sight of a man with automatic pistol.
(C) seeing a very important and private paper.
(D) sight of the hotel in the mid city.
Answer: B
44. Why did max scream shrilly? {Sonitpur}
(A) On seeing the police
(B) Out of disappointment
(C) He had fallen off the window
(D) Ausable beat him.
Answer: C
45. Identfy the correct statement from the following (Hint: The Midnight Vistitor) {Sonitpur}
(A) Fowler was a secret agent.
(B) Ausable had great presence of mind.
(C) Max lived in the gloomy french hotel.
(D) Max fired a bullet.
Answer: B
46. “I thought you were in Berlin”
This quotation is from “The Midnight Visitor”. Who are ‘you’ and ‘I’ here? {Sibsagar}
(A) You-Ausable, I-Max.
(B) You-Fowler, I-Max.
(C) You-Max, I-Ausable.
(D) You-Fowler, I-Ausable.
Answer: C
47. How does the story, “The Midnight Visitor,” change our idea of a secret agent? {Nalbari}
(A) A secret agent must be handsome and fit
(B) A secret agent can win using wit and presence of mind
(C) A secret agent must carry weapon
(D) A secret agent should always lead a luxurious life
Answer: B
48. Read the following statements based on “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct option. {Nalbari}
Statement 1: Ausable was a tall and handsome secret agent.
Statement 2: Ausable spoke calmly even when Max threatened him.
(A) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(B) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
(C) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
(D) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is true.
Answer: D
49. What does the phrase ‘black with anger’ mean in the story ‘A Midnight Visitor’? {Nalbari}
(A) Pale with anxiety
(B) Calm and collected
(C) Confused and disoriented
(D) Filled with rage
Answer: D
50. The knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. “Mr. Ausable! Mr. Ausable!” – Who was knocking at the door? {Nalbari}
(A) The Manager
(B) The waiter
(C) The Police
(D) Max
Answer: B
51. Max’s reaction to the knocking at the door in the story, ‘The Midnight Visitor’ shows his : {Nalbari}
(A) Bravery
(B) Quick thinking
(C) Fear and lack of judgement
(D) Loyalty
Answer: C
52. Which of the following theme is explored in the story “The Midnight Visitor”? {Morigaon}
(A) The importance of physical strength.
(B) The power of intelligence and wit.
(C) The danger of underestimating others.
(D) The value of loyality and friendship.
Answer: B
53. What does the phrase ‘black with anger’ mean in the story ‘A Midnight Visitor’? {Morigaon}
(A) Pale with anxiety
(B) Calm and collected
(C) Confused and disoriented
(D) Filled with rage
Answer: D
54. The knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. “Mr. Ausable!Mr. Ausable!” – Who was knocking at the door? {Morigaon}
(A) The Manager
(B) The waiter
(C) The Police
(D) Max
Answer: B
55. “Max bit his lips nervously” This action shows Max’s – {Majuli}
(Hint: The Midnight Visitor).
(A) Over confidence in his plan.
(B) Frustration at not finding the report.
(C) Fear that Ausable might actively be tell the truth.
(D) Desire to attack Fowler.
Answer: C
56. Ausable complained to the management about the balcony. Why? {Majuli}
(Hint: The Midnight Visitor)
(A) Thieves were using it to escape.
(B) It was too small for a spy to use
(C) He claimed it was a threat to his safety
(D) The balcony blocked fresh air.
Answer: C
50 Most Important Model MCQs for HSLC 2027
1. Even though Ausable had been living in Paris for twenty years, he still retained an accent from which American city?
(A) New York
(B) Chicago
(C) Boston
(D) Washington
Answer: C
2. What did Fowler romantically envision secret agents receiving from “dark-eyed beauties” in his imagination?
(A) Poisoned wine
(B) Secret passkeys
(C) Hidden weapons
(D) Messages slipped into their hands
Answer: D
3. Instead of dramatic encounters, what did Ausable receive in his room that completely bored Fowler?
(A) A pizza delivery
(B) A prosaic telephone call making an appointment
(C) A newspaper from the hotel staff
(D) A wrong number
Answer: B
4. What specific sound did Ausable make as he unlocked the door to his room while talking to Fowler?
(A) He coughed loudly.
(B) He whistled a tune.
(C) He chuckled to himself.
(D) He sighed heavily.
Answer: C
5. How is the corridor leading to Ausable’s room described in the text?
(A) Bright and luxurious
(B) Musty and gloomy
(C) Narrow and heavily guarded
(D) Clean and fragrant
Answer: B
6. When Ausable switched on the light, Max was standing halfway across the room. What was Max holding?
(A) A secret file
(B) A small automatic pistol
(C) A sharp dagger
(D) A bottle of wine
Answer: B
7. “No, a passkey,” Max said. What was he referring to?
(A) The item he was looking for in the room.
(B) The tool he used to break into Ausable’s room.
(C) The code to a secret safe.
(D) The password for the missile documents.
Answer: B
8. What piece of furniture did Ausable sit down “heavily” in to deliver his fake complaint about the hotel management?
(A) A wooden stool
(B) The edge of the bed
(C) An armchair
(D) A dining chair
Answer: C
9. According to Ausable’s fabricated story, the balcony actually belonged to which part of the building?
(A) The manager’s office
(B) The next apartment
(C) The fire escape
(D) The floor below
Answer: B
10. Max became nervous because
(A) He got scared of Ausable
(B) He thought that the police had come.
(C) The door was unlocked.
(D) Ausable got up to open the door.
Ans: B
11. Who came to meet Ausable?
(A) A Policeman
(B) Henry
(C) Max
(D) Fowler
Ans: D
12. When did Ausable move to Paris?
(A) 5 years ago
(B) 10 years ago
(C) 20 years ago
(D) 25 years ago
Ans: C
13. The report that was being waited for by Ausable was about _______.
(Fill in the blank).
(A) hotels
(B) pistols
(C) missiles
(D) bombs
Ans: C
14. “Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy Frech hotel in this line-
(A) Max is following Ausable
(B) Ausable is following Fowler
(C) Fowler is following Ausable
(D) Ausable is following
Ans: C
15. “The knocking was repeated…” – By whom was the knocking made?
(A) The policeman
(B) The waiter
(C) Ausable’s friend
(D) A stranger
Ans: D
16. The report that is being brought to you tonight concerning some-
(A) New reports
(B) New missiles
(C) New edition
(D) New technology
Ans: B
17. The Secret Agents you found in lesson ‘Midnight visitors’ are
(A) Max and Fowler
(B) Ausable and Fowler
(C) Max and Ausable
(D) Fowler and waiter
Ans: C
18. As Max swung his leg over the window sill, what sound indicated that time was up?
(A) A police siren outside
(B) A gunshot from the hallway
(C) The doorknob turning
(D) The phone ringing
Answer: C
19. What body part did Max use to support himself on the window frame just before he dropped?
(A) His foot
(B) His free hand
(C) Both his elbows
(D) His chin
Answer: B
20. What did Henry do to the bottle before leaving the room?
(A) He poured a drink for Ausable.
(B) He uncorked it.
(C) He put it in an ice bucket.
(D) He took it back with him.
Answer: B
21. What was Fowler’s physical and verbal state after Max vanished and the waiter left?
(A) He was laughing hysterically.
(B) He was angry and shouting.
(C) He was white-faced and stammering.
(D) He was completely relaxed and relieved.
Answer: C
22. According to Ausable’s lie to Max, why did he call the police?
(A) Because he saw a suspicious man in the lobby.
(B) Because he thought an important paper needed a little extra protection.
(C) Because Fowler was feeling unsafe.
(D) Because the hotel manager advised him to.
Answer: B
23. “But won’t that man out on the balcony…?” Who asked this incomplete question?
(A) Ausable
(B) Henry
(C) Max
(D) Fowler
Answer: D
24. What was Ausable’s final, chilling response regarding Max’s fate?
(A) “He will climb down safely.”
(B) “He is waiting for the police.”
(C) “No, he won’t return.”
(D) “He has the documents now.”
Answer: C
25. Why was Ausable able to order drinks for his room?
(A) Because he had a lot of money.
(B) Because he ordered them when he returned to the hotel earlier.
(C) Because Fowler asked him to.
(D) Because Max demanded a drink.
Answer: B
26. How did Max’s physical build contrast with the typical image of a threatening villain?
(A) He was heavily muscular and tall.
(B) He was extremely fat, just like Ausable.
(C) He was slender and a little less than tall.
(D) He had a massive beard and scars.
Answer: C
27. What did Ausable do with the door immediately after standing aside for Fowler to enter?
(A) He left it wide open.
(B) He locked it from the outside.
(C) He closed it behind him.
(D) He wedged a chair against it.
Answer: C
28. What was the exact time Max expected the report to arrive?
(A) Eleven-thirty
(B) Twelve-thirty
(C) One-thirty
(D) Midnight
Answer: B
29. Ausable mentioned that someone had used the “balcony” to enter his room previously. When did he claim this happened?
(A) Just yesterday
(B) A year ago
(C) The last month
(D) That very morning
Answer: C
30. How did Max react physically when the knocking at the door began?
(A) He dropped his gun in fear.
(B) He bit his lip nervously.
(C) He smiled confidently.
(D) He hid under the bed.
Answer: B
31. Ausable’s heavy breathing and wheezing highlighted what aspect of his character?
(A) His severe illness
(B) His lack of physical fitness, contrasting with his sharp mental agility
(C) His fear of Max
(D) His old age
Answer: B
32. What word describes Max’s scream as he fell from the sixth floor?
(A) Deep
(B) Muffled
(C) Shrilly
(D) Roaring
Answer: C
33. How did Henry set the tray on the table?
(A) Clumsily
(B) Noisily
(C) Deftly
(D) Angrily
Answer: C
34. Ausable stated that he “wished he knew” how Max learned about what?
(A) The balcony
(B) The police
(C) The report
(D) The passkey
Answer: C
35. Which of the following best describes Robert Arthur’s underlying message in the story?
(A) Physical strength always defeats intelligence.
(B) Secret agents live highly glamorous lives.
(C) Stereotypes and appearances are often highly deceptive.
(D) Hotels in Paris are very dangerous.
Answer: C
36. Assertion (A): Ausable spoke French and German perfectly like a native Parisian.
Reason (R): He had lived in Paris for twenty years after moving there from Boston.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
37. Assertion (A): Fowler was thoroughly disappointed during his initial interaction with Ausable.
Reason (R): Fowler had read many thriller novels and expected to meet a mysterious, fit figure dealing with dark-eyed beauties, not a fat man in a gloomy hotel.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
38. Assertion (A): Max was physically a very intimidating, tall, and heavily muscular man.
Reason (R): Max managed to break into Ausable’s room and hold him at gunpoint.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
39. Assertion (A): Ausable sat down heavily in an armchair and feigned intense anger at the hotel management.
Reason (R): He wanted to seamlessly weave a believable narrative about a nuisance balcony to lay a trap for Max.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
40. Assertion (A): Max entered Ausable’s room by climbing up the fire escape and stepping onto the balcony.
Reason (R): Max stated that using the balcony would have saved him a lot of trouble.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
41. Assertion (A): Ausable ordered drinks to his room right before coming upstairs with Fowler.
Reason (R): Ausable knew Max was waiting inside with a gun and wanted Henry to interrupt them.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: C
42. Assertion (A): Max backed rapidly towards the window when the knocking began.
Reason (R): He believed Ausable’s lie that the police were at the door and wanted to hide on the supposed balcony.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
43. Assertion (A): Henry the waiter was secretly an undercover police officer working for Ausable.
Reason (R): Ausable had secretly sent him a text message to knock loudly to scare Max away.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.
Answer: D
44. Assertion (A): Fowler was terrified and stood stiffly when he saw Max with the pistol.
Reason (R): Fowler finally experienced the authentic, life-threatening thrill of espionage he had been expecting all evening.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: B
45. Assertion (A): Ausable completely lost his composure and begged for his life when the gun was pointed at him.
Reason (R): Ausable lacked physical strength and knew he could not fight an armed man like Max.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
46. How does Robert Arthur use the setting of the “musty corridor” and the “gloomy French hotel” structurally in the narrative?
(A) To prove that Ausable is too poor to afford a good hotel.
(B) To build an intentional anti-climax that lulls Fowler (and the reader) into a false sense of boredom before the sudden plot twist.
(C) To show that Paris is a dirty city.
(D) To explain why Max could easily break into the room.
Answer: B
47. Why is Ausable’s invention of the “police” at the door considered a masterstroke of psychological manipulation?
(A) Because it allowed Ausable to call for help loudly.
(B) Because it triggered Max’s self-preservation instinct, causing him to panic, abandon his mission, and make a rushed, fatal error without Ausable lifting a finger.
(C) Because it proved to Fowler that Ausable had powerful friends.
(D) Because it made Henry the waiter look like a hero.
Answer: B
48. The ending of the story, where the armed intruder is defeated not by a gun, but by an invisible, non-existent balcony, is a classic example of:
(A) Dark situational irony and poetic justice
(B) A tragic flaw in the protagonist
(C) Romantic idealism
(D) Historical non-fiction
Answer: A
49. What is the fundamental psychological contrast between Fowler and Ausable during the crisis?
(A) Fowler is brave but stupid; Ausable is cowardly but smart.
(B) Fowler represents the romanticized, emotional observer paralyzed by reality, while Ausable is the pragmatic, grounded survivor who weaponizes his environment.
(C) Fowler wants to fight Max physically, while Ausable wants to surrender the papers.
(D) Both men react exactly the same way, proving they are equals.
Answer: B
50. What does Ausable’s reaction to Max (“you gave me quite a start”) subtly achieve in the dynamic between the two spies?
(A) It proves to Max that Ausable is terrified and ready to surrender.
(B) It disarms Max’s aggression by treating his life-threatening break-in as merely a mild, annoying surprise rather than a terrifying ambush.
(C) It shows that Ausable is forgetful.
(D) It warns Fowler to run away immediately.
Answer: B
51. Read the following statement with reference to The Midnight Visitor and choose the correct op-tion
Statement 1: Ausable was indeed a clever se-cret agent.
Statement 2: Max was befooled by Ausable.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
52. Read the following statements with reference to’
The Midnight Visitor.’
Statement 1: Ausable was, for one thing, thin.
Statement 2: Max was slender, a little less than tall.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false. and Statement is true.
(C) Both the statements are true.
(D) Both the statements are false.
Answer: B
53. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct op-tion.
Statement 1: In the story it was proved that Max was a good detective.
Statement 2: Ausable jumped off from the top floor of the French hotel.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement I is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: D
54. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: In the story, Ausable’s presence of mind is more effective than physical strength.
Statement 2: The Midnight Visitor revolves around the lesson that one should not be judged by one’s appearance only.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
55. Read the following statements and choose the correct option-
Statement 1: Ausable was a very fat person and he could speak French and German passably.
Statement 2: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession a detective.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
56. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: Fowler was disappointed meeting Ausable.
Statement 2: He experienced the first adventur-ous thrill with Ausable.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both the Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(D) Both the Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
SEBA HSLC Previous Year Questions (4 Marks)
1. “‘The door knob turned. Swiftly Max pushed with his left hand to free himself from the still and drop to the balcony.’ Who was there at the door? Was Max able to jump from the balcony? Why?” {2026}
2. How does Ausable overpower Max’s plan by ‘inventing the balcony’ in “The Midnight Visitors”? {2025}
3. Provide a pen-picture of Ausable. {2024}
4. Narrate how Ausable managed to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room. {2023}
5. Who was following Ausable in the corridor of the French hotel? {2023}
6. Briefly describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. {2022}
7. How does Ausable make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? {2022}
8. Between Ausable and Max, who do you think is more intelligent and why? {2020}
9. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? {2019}
Common Pre-Board 3/4 Mark Questions (2025–26)
1. How did the false story of the balcony help Ausable to get rid of Max? {Bajali}
2. Ausable was a clever secret agent. Justify your answer. {Baksa}
3. Briefly describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. {Barpeta}
4. Fowler’s purpose to meet Ausable was successful. Explain this statement with reference to the story “The Midnight Visitor”. {Bongaigaon}
5. What impression do you form of Ausable as a secret agent from “The Midnight Visitor? {Cachar}
7. Fowler’s day took a one – eighty degree turn by the end of the evening. Examine the statement with reference to “The midnight Visitor”. {Charaideo}
8. Describe the meeting between Ausable and Max. {Darrang}
9. Describe the meeting between Ausable -the secret agent and Fowler-the writer. {Dhubri}
10. Do you think intelligence is more important than physical strength in spy work? Give examples from the story “The Midnight Visitor” to justify your view. {Golaghat}
11. Explain how Ausable used his wit and presence of mind to get rid of Max in the story “The Midnight Visitor” by Robert Arthur.{Hailakandi}
12. How does Ausable overpower Max’s plan by “inventing the balcony” in “The Midnight Visitor”? {Hojai}
13. What makes Ausable a good secret agent? Explain any one quality with reference to the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’? {Jorhat}
14. How does Ausable overpower Max’s plan by ‘inventing the balcony’ in ‘The Midnight Visitor’? (3 Marks) {Kamrup R}
15. Who was Henry? How did he help Ausable to get rid of Max? {Kamrup R}(1+2=3 Marks)
16. How does the story, “The Midnight Visitor” show that – “Presence of mind and intelligence is more powerful than a gun?” {Kamrup M}
17. Who was Fowler? Why did he meet Ausable? Give a description of the meeting. (1+1+2 ){Kokrajhar}
18. What convinced Max to believe in Ausable’s story of a fake balcony? {Udalguri}
19. What fake story was made by Ausable in the hotel room? Did he succeed? {Tamulpur}
20. Describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report? {SSM}
21. “Henry unintentionally saved Ausable’s life.” Justify the statement with reference to “The Midnight Visitor.”. {Sribhumi}
22. In the chapter “The Midnight visitor”, Who do you think is more intelligent between ausable and max and why? {Sonitpur}
23. Write briefly the entire incident regarding the balcony from the story “The Midnight Visitor”. {Sibsagar}
24. Describe briefly how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. {Nalbari}
25. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room? {Morigaon}
26. “Presence of mind is more important than physical strength.” How does Ausable prove this through his actions? {Majuli}
27. Ausable does not fit the typical image of a secret agent, yet he handles a dangerous situation with intelligence and presence of mind. 28. Explain how his behaviour during Fowler’s visit reveals the qualities of an effective spy. {Lakhimpur}
Class 10 English Chapter 11 (The Midnight Visitor) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Class 10th English
The Midnight Visitor
HSLC Board Previous Year MCQs with Answers
1. “Read the following statements and choose the correct option given below {2026}
Statement 1: Ausable tricked Max to save both his and Max’s life and the report.
Statement 2: The report was very important because it contained secret information about Ausable.
(A) Both the statements are correct.
(B) Both the statements are false.
(C) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is false.
(D) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is correct.”
Answer: B
2. “Ausable was a ___ fellow. {2026}
(A) fat and lazy
(B) fat and sloppy
(C) thin and enthusiastic
(D) thin and sloppy”
Answer: B
3. And as the light came on Fowler had his first authentic thrill of the day. In this sentence from The Midnight Visitor what thrill is being referred to?
{2025}
(A) A stranger with a pistol stood inside the hotel room.
(B) The hotel had arranged for a surprise wel-come.
(C) Fowler was thrilled to enter the luxurious ho-tel room.
(D) Fowler came to know of a secret shared by Ausable
Answer: A
4. Thirty-one minutes, Ausable said moodily. The appointment was for twelve-thirty. I wish I knew you learned about the report Max What report was referred to by Ausable? [Hint The Midnight Visitor]
{2025}
(A) Report concerning some new missiles
(B) Report concerning espionage
(C) Report on Nazi occupation
(D) Report concerning World Wars
Answer: A
5. Fowler felt let down. Why [Hint: The Midnight Visitor] Because-
{2025}
(A) Fowler did not get good food to eat.
(B) Fowler realised that the secret agent was not coming to the hotel.
(C) The secret agent led him to a hotel room which was rather gloomy.
(D) Fowler could not understand what the secret agent said.
Answer: C
6. Max wanted the report back from Ausable. It was a report concerning.
{2024}
(A) Health
(B) Finance
(C) Missile
(D) Constructions
Answer: C
7. The first event of the day that thrilled Fowler was
{2024}
(A) Ausable’s plan regarding the secret report
(B) The appearance of a man with a small auto-matic pistol
(C) The excellent amblence of the room
(D) The visit of thee waiter with food
Answer: B
8. Max was like a _______ , according to the author of ‘The Midnight Visitor’. {2023}
(A) Deer
(B) Hayena
(C) Wolf
(D) Fox
Answer: D
9. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct op-
tion: {2024}
Statement 1: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession of a detective.
Statement 2: All detective must know how to speak French.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement is 2 false
(B) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true
(C) Both Statement I and Statement 2 are true
(D) Both Statement I and Statement 2 are false
Answer: A
Common Pre-Board MCQs (2025–26) with Answers
1. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option: {Bajali}
Statement 1: Fowler thought Max to be in Ausable’s room through the nuisance of the balcony as demanded by Ausable.
Statement 2: Fowler believed the existence of the balcony until its reality was uncovered.
(A) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false but 2 is true
(C) Both the statements 1 and 2 are true
(D) Both the statements 1 and 2 are false
Answer: B
2. Ausable spoke French and German passably. The synonym of the underlined word in above mentioned sentence is: {Bajali}
(A) Inadequately
(B) Insufficiently
(C) Satisfactorily
(D) Immoderately
Answer: C
3. Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent. What is the different about Ausable? {Baksa}
(A) Does not look like an agent.
(B) Gets only a phone call for appointments in his room.
(C) Does not get messages slipped by dark eyed beauties.
(D) Fat not so good looking.
(a) A and B
(b) C and D
(c) A, B and D
(d) All the above
Answer: D
4. Max had entered Ausable’s room in order to_____. {Baksa}
(A) rob him
(B) kill him
(C) get some important papers
(D) surprise him
Answer: C
5. Assertion (A) : Max jumped on to the balcony of Ausable’s hotel room. {Barpeta}
Reason (R) : Henry, the policeman, came following the instruction of Ausable to arrest Max.
(A) A is true, R is true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are false.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) Both A and R are true, but R doesn’t support A.
Answer: B
6. In the lesson “The Midnight Visitor”, Ausable’s cleverness is shown through his ability to – {Bongaigaon}
(A) Handle the dangerous situation calmly by creating a believable story that completely misled Max.
(B) Face the unexpected danger bravely by defeating Max only on his physical strength.
(C) Manage the tense moment confidently by waiting for real police officers to arrive and save him.
(D) Deal with the sudden threat fearlessly by shouting for help and hoping someone would rescue him.
Answer: A
7. “You are disillusioned,” Ausable told him. “But take a cheer, my young friend. Presently you will see a paper ______.” Choose the meaning of the underlined words from the options: {Bongaigaon}
(A) Disinterest, to shout
(B) Disrespect, greeted
(C) Disappointment, a shout of applause in excitement
(D) Disagreement, a horror sound
Answer: C
8. Choose the part of the hotel through which Ausable thought Max had entered his room. {Bongaigaon}
(A) Option 3
(B) Option 4
(C) Option 1
(D) Option 2
Answer: A
9. “Thirty one minutes”, Ausable said moodily. “The appointment was for twelve thirty” When was the appointment fixed? {Cachar}
(A) Twelve hour and thirty minute
(B) Twelve hour and thirty one minute
(C) Thirty one minute.
(D) Twelve hour.
Answer: A
10. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight visitor’ and choose the correct option. {Charaideo}
Statement 1 : Ausable was , for one thing , thin.
Statement 2 : Max was slender , a little less than tall.
(A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false
Answer: B
11. When did Ausable move to Paris? {Charaideo}
(A) 5 years ago
(B) 10 years ago
(C) 20 years ago
(D) 25 years ago
Answer: C
12. The first event of the day that thrilled Fowler was – {Charaideo}
(A) The appearance of a man with a small automatic pistol
(B) The visit of the waiter with food
(C) The excellent ambience of the room
(D) Ausable’s plan regarding the secret report
Answer: A
13. According to Ausable, how did Max enter his room? {Darrang}
(A) by using a passkey
(B) through the balcony
(C) using the stairs
(D) through the next apartment
Answer: B
14. Assertion: Max wanted the report which Ausable was about to get. For, Max thought that it was not safe in Ausable’s hand.
Reason : The report was quite important for which several men and women had risked their lives. {Darrang}
(A) Both A and R are true, R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true but R is false
(D) A is false but R is true
Answer: A
15. “You are disappointed.” Ausable thought that Fowler was disappointed. It was because– {Dhubri}
(A) He saw that Ausable lived in a small room of a gloomy hotel in France.
(B) He had spent a dull evening with Ausable who had not gotten any message from the dark beauties in the music hall.
(C) He found Ausable very fat unlike any other secret agent.
(D) Ausable told Fowler that he would not give him any information regarding the new missiles.
Answer: C
16. “The knocking was repeated-” By whom was the knocking made? {Golaghat}
(A) The policeman
(B) The waiter
(C) Ausable’s friend
(D) A stranger
Answer: B
17. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option- {Golaghat}
Statement 1: Ausable had the ability to create instant stories.
Statement 2: Ausable had an excellent presence of mind because he was a secret agent.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true.
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true,
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
18. Which of the following is appropriate regarding Ausable’s character while handling the critical situation with Max? {Golaghat}
(A) He is impulsive and reckless
(B) He is calm and clever
(C) He is cowardly and fearful
(D) He is aggressive and violent.
Answer: B
19. Why does Max believe Ausable’s story about the balcony outside his window?{Hailakandi}
(A) Max had seen the balcony.earlier that night
(B) Ausable showed him official documents
(C) Ausable spoke confidently and logically, making the story sound convincing
(D) The hotel manager confirmed the existence of the balcony
Answer: C
20. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct option: {Hojai}
Statement-I: In the story, “The Midnight Visitor”, it was proved that Max was a good detective.
Statement-II: Ausable jumped off from the top floor of the French hotel.
(A) Statement-I is true and Statement-II is false.
(B) Statement-I is false and Statement-II is true.
(C) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true.
(D) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are false.
Answer: D
21. The first event of the day that thrilled Fowler was – {Hojai}
(A) Ausable’s plan regarding the secret report.
(B) The appearance of a man with a small automatic pistol.
(C) The excellent ambience of the room
(D) The visit of the waiter with food.
Answer: B
22. “It was a small room, on the sixth and top floor, and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure.” What is the meaning of the underlined word? {Jorhat}
(A) Loving
(B) Exciting
(C) Idealistic
(D) Passionate
Answer: B
23. Arrange the following events in the correct order: {Jorhat}
i) Ausable described the balcony outside his window.
ii) Max entered Ausable’s room with a pistol.
iii) Someone knocked at the door.
iv) Max moved towards the window to escape.
(A) i, iii, ii, iv
(B) i, ii, iv, iii
(C) ii, i, iii, iv
(D) ii, iii, iv, i
Answer: C
24. “And as the light came on, Fowler had his first authentic thrill of the day.” In this sentence from “The Midnight Visitor”, what thrill is being referred to? {Jorhat}
(A) A stranger with a pistol stood inside the hotel room.
(B) The hotel had arranged a surprise welcome.
(C) Fowler was thrilled to enter the luxurious hotel room.
(D) Fowler came to know of a secret shared by Ausable.
Answer: A
25. In ‘The Midnight Visitor’, Fowler is a _____ by profession. {Kamrup R}
(A) spy
(B) cop
(C) hotel manager
(D) writer
Answer: D
26. Who was actually knocking at the door of Ausable’s room? {Kamrup R}
(A) the police
(B) the waiter
(C) Max
(D) Ausable
Answer: B
27. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option: {Kamrup R}
Statement 1: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession of a detective.
Statement 2: All detectives must know how to speak French.
(A) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and 2 are false.
(D) Both statement 1 and 2 are true.
Answer: A
28. Max wanted the report back from Ausable. It was a report concerning _____. {Kamrup R}
(A) health
(B) finance
(C) missiles
(D) constructions
Answer: C
29. The reason Fowler was disappointed by Ausable when he met him was because Ausable{ Kamrup M}
(A) lived in a shady French hotel.
(B) didn’t have the personality of a spy.
(C) was related to the cops.
(D) had a very good accent.
Answer: B
30. Ausable had _______ accent (from “The Midnight Visitor”.) {Kamrup M}
(A) American
(B) French
(C) British
(D) All the above
Answer: A
31. Read the following statements and choose the correct option :- {Kokrajhar}
Statement 1: Ausable was a very fat person and he could speak French and German passably.
Statement 2: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession of a detective.
(A) Statement 1 is true statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false statement 2 is true
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false
Answer: C
32. In the story ‘The midnight Visitor’ Ausable shows his— {Kokrajhar}
(A) Presence of mind
(B) Ability to think quickly
(C) Ability to act calmly
(D) All of the above
Answer: D
33. Arrange the events with reference to your reading the story ‘Midnight visitor’ in the correct order: {Lakhimpur}
1.Max enters the room with a gun.
2.A knock is heard at the door.
3.Ausable tells the story of the balcony.
4.Max jumps out of the window.
(A) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
(B) 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
(C) 1 → 3 → 2 → 4
(D) 3 → 2 → 1 → 4
Answer: C
34. Ausable’s handling of the situation in the story ‘Midnight visitor’ teaches that real problem-solving requires: {Lakhimpur}
(A) Strength and weapons
(B) Calm thinking under pressure
(C) Immediate aggression
(D) Running away from danger
Answer: B
35. Ausable’s appearance was _____. {Udalguri}
(A) Fat and sloppy
(B) Fat and enthusiastic
(C) Thin and sloppy
(D) Thin and enthusiastic
Answer: A
36. Fowler was a ______. {Udalguri}
(A) Thief
(B) Doctor
(C) Reporter
(D) Spy
Answer: C
37. “Max,” he wheezed, “you gave me quite a start. I thought you were in Berlin. What are you doing here in my room?” How did Ausable feel when he saw Max in the room? {Udalguri}
(A) relaxed
(B) confused
(C) happy
(D) shocked
Answer: D
38. According to Ausable they would have to wait for the report for– {Tamulpur}
(A) thirty one minutes
(B) thirty minutes
(C) about an hour
(D) thirteen minutes
Answer: A
39. Max actually entered Ausable’s room ______. {Tamulpur}
(A) With a passkey
(B) Through the window.
(C) With the main gate.
(D) He was already inside.
Answer: A
40. Read the following statement with reference to “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct option- {SSM}
Statement 1:- Ausable was indeed a clever secret agent.
Statement 2:- Max was befooled by Ausable.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
41. Ausable turned a dangerous situation into an advantage by – {Sribhumi}
(A) showing physical strength.
(B) making up a believable story.
(C) calling the police immediately.
(D) hiding under the bed.
Answer: B
42. Ausable turned a dangerous situation into an advantage by – (Same question as Q4) {Sribhumi}
(A) showing physical strength.
(B) making up a believable story.
(C) calling the police immediately.
(D) hiding under the bed.
Answer: B
43. What was Fowler’s “first thrill of the day”? {Sribhumi}
(A) meeting Ausable in the hotel.
(B) sight of a man with automatic pistol.
(C) seeing a very important and private paper.
(D) sight of the hotel in the mid city.
Answer: B
44. Why did max scream shrilly? {Sonitpur}
(A) On seeing the police
(B) Out of disappointment
(C) He had fallen off the window
(D) Ausable beat him.
Answer: C
45. Identfy the correct statement from the following (Hint: The Midnight Vistitor) {Sonitpur}
(A) Fowler was a secret agent.
(B) Ausable had great presence of mind.
(C) Max lived in the gloomy french hotel.
(D) Max fired a bullet.
Answer: B
46. “I thought you were in Berlin”
This quotation is from “The Midnight Visitor”. Who are ‘you’ and ‘I’ here? {Sibsagar}
(A) You-Ausable, I-Max.
(B) You-Fowler, I-Max.
(C) You-Max, I-Ausable.
(D) You-Fowler, I-Ausable.
Answer: C
47. How does the story, “The Midnight Visitor,” change our idea of a secret agent? {Nalbari}
(A) A secret agent must be handsome and fit
(B) A secret agent can win using wit and presence of mind
(C) A secret agent must carry weapon
(D) A secret agent should always lead a luxurious life
Answer: B
48. Read the following statements based on “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct option. {Nalbari}
Statement 1: Ausable was a tall and handsome secret agent.
Statement 2: Ausable spoke calmly even when Max threatened him.
(A) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(B) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
(C) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
(D) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is true.
Answer: D
49. What does the phrase ‘black with anger’ mean in the story ‘A Midnight Visitor’? {Nalbari}
(A) Pale with anxiety
(B) Calm and collected
(C) Confused and disoriented
(D) Filled with rage
Answer: D
50. The knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. “Mr. Ausable! Mr. Ausable!” – Who was knocking at the door? {Nalbari}
(A) The Manager
(B) The waiter
(C) The Police
(D) Max
Answer: B
51. Max’s reaction to the knocking at the door in the story, ‘The Midnight Visitor’ shows his : {Nalbari}
(A) Bravery
(B) Quick thinking
(C) Fear and lack of judgement
(D) Loyalty
Answer: C
52. Which of the following theme is explored in the story “The Midnight Visitor”? {Morigaon}
(A) The importance of physical strength.
(B) The power of intelligence and wit.
(C) The danger of underestimating others.
(D) The value of loyality and friendship.
Answer: B
53. What does the phrase ‘black with anger’ mean in the story ‘A Midnight Visitor’? {Morigaon}
(A) Pale with anxiety
(B) Calm and collected
(C) Confused and disoriented
(D) Filled with rage
Answer: D
54. The knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. “Mr. Ausable!Mr. Ausable!” – Who was knocking at the door? {Morigaon}
(A) The Manager
(B) The waiter
(C) The Police
(D) Max
Answer: B
55. “Max bit his lips nervously” This action shows Max’s – {Majuli}
(Hint: The Midnight Visitor).
(A) Over confidence in his plan.
(B) Frustration at not finding the report.
(C) Fear that Ausable might actively be tell the truth.
(D) Desire to attack Fowler.
Answer: C
56. Ausable complained to the management about the balcony. Why? {Majuli}
(Hint: The Midnight Visitor)
(A) Thieves were using it to escape.
(B) It was too small for a spy to use
(C) He claimed it was a threat to his safety
(D) The balcony blocked fresh air.
Answer: C
50 Most Important Model MCQs for HSLC 2027
1. Even though Ausable had been living in Paris for twenty years, he still retained an accent from which American city?
(A) New York
(B) Chicago
(C) Boston
(D) Washington
Answer: C
2. What did Fowler romantically envision secret agents receiving from “dark-eyed beauties” in his imagination?
(A) Poisoned wine
(B) Secret passkeys
(C) Hidden weapons
(D) Messages slipped into their hands
Answer: D
3. Instead of dramatic encounters, what did Ausable receive in his room that completely bored Fowler?
(A) A pizza delivery
(B) A prosaic telephone call making an appointment
(C) A newspaper from the hotel staff
(D) A wrong number
Answer: B
4. What specific sound did Ausable make as he unlocked the door to his room while talking to Fowler?
(A) He coughed loudly.
(B) He whistled a tune.
(C) He chuckled to himself.
(D) He sighed heavily.
Answer: C
5. How is the corridor leading to Ausable’s room described in the text?
(A) Bright and luxurious
(B) Musty and gloomy
(C) Narrow and heavily guarded
(D) Clean and fragrant
Answer: B
6. When Ausable switched on the light, Max was standing halfway across the room. What was Max holding?
(A) A secret file
(B) A small automatic pistol
(C) A sharp dagger
(D) A bottle of wine
Answer: B
7. “No, a passkey,” Max said. What was he referring to?
(A) The item he was looking for in the room.
(B) The tool he used to break into Ausable’s room.
(C) The code to a secret safe.
(D) The password for the missile documents.
Answer: B
8. What piece of furniture did Ausable sit down “heavily” in to deliver his fake complaint about the hotel management?
(A) A wooden stool
(B) The edge of the bed
(C) An armchair
(D) A dining chair
Answer: C
9. According to Ausable’s fabricated story, the balcony actually belonged to which part of the building?
(A) The manager’s office
(B) The next apartment
(C) The fire escape
(D) The floor below
Answer: B
10. Max became nervous because
(A) He got scared of Ausable
(B) He thought that the police had come.
(C) The door was unlocked.
(D) Ausable got up to open the door.
Ans: B
11. Who came to meet Ausable?
(A) A Policeman
(B) Henry
(C) Max
(D) Fowler
Ans: D
12. When did Ausable move to Paris?
(A) 5 years ago
(B) 10 years ago
(C) 20 years ago
(D) 25 years ago
Ans: C
13. The report that was being waited for by Ausable was about _______.
(Fill in the blank).
(A) hotels
(B) pistols
(C) missiles
(D) bombs
Ans: C
14. “Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy Frech hotel in this line-
(A) Max is following Ausable
(B) Ausable is following Fowler
(C) Fowler is following Ausable
(D) Ausable is following
Ans: C
15. “The knocking was repeated…” – By whom was the knocking made?
(A) The policeman
(B) The waiter
(C) Ausable’s friend
(D) A stranger
Ans: D
16. The report that is being brought to you tonight concerning some-
(A) New reports
(B) New missiles
(C) New edition
(D) New technology
Ans: B
17. The Secret Agents you found in lesson ‘Midnight visitors’ are
(A) Max and Fowler
(B) Ausable and Fowler
(C) Max and Ausable
(D) Fowler and waiter
Ans: C
18. As Max swung his leg over the window sill, what sound indicated that time was up?
(A) A police siren outside
(B) A gunshot from the hallway
(C) The doorknob turning
(D) The phone ringing
Answer: C
19. What body part did Max use to support himself on the window frame just before he dropped?
(A) His foot
(B) His free hand
(C) Both his elbows
(D) His chin
Answer: B
20. What did Henry do to the bottle before leaving the room?
(A) He poured a drink for Ausable.
(B) He uncorked it.
(C) He put it in an ice bucket.
(D) He took it back with him.
Answer: B
21. What was Fowler’s physical and verbal state after Max vanished and the waiter left?
(A) He was laughing hysterically.
(B) He was angry and shouting.
(C) He was white-faced and stammering.
(D) He was completely relaxed and relieved.
Answer: C
22. According to Ausable’s lie to Max, why did he call the police?
(A) Because he saw a suspicious man in the lobby.
(B) Because he thought an important paper needed a little extra protection.
(C) Because Fowler was feeling unsafe.
(D) Because the hotel manager advised him to.
Answer: B
23. “But won’t that man out on the balcony…?” Who asked this incomplete question?
(A) Ausable
(B) Henry
(C) Max
(D) Fowler
Answer: D
24. What was Ausable’s final, chilling response regarding Max’s fate?
(A) “He will climb down safely.”
(B) “He is waiting for the police.”
(C) “No, he won’t return.”
(D) “He has the documents now.”
Answer: C
25. Why was Ausable able to order drinks for his room?
(A) Because he had a lot of money.
(B) Because he ordered them when he returned to the hotel earlier.
(C) Because Fowler asked him to.
(D) Because Max demanded a drink.
Answer: B
26. How did Max’s physical build contrast with the typical image of a threatening villain?
(A) He was heavily muscular and tall.
(B) He was extremely fat, just like Ausable.
(C) He was slender and a little less than tall.
(D) He had a massive beard and scars.
Answer: C
27. What did Ausable do with the door immediately after standing aside for Fowler to enter?
(A) He left it wide open.
(B) He locked it from the outside.
(C) He closed it behind him.
(D) He wedged a chair against it.
Answer: C
28. What was the exact time Max expected the report to arrive?
(A) Eleven-thirty
(B) Twelve-thirty
(C) One-thirty
(D) Midnight
Answer: B
29. Ausable mentioned that someone had used the “balcony” to enter his room previously. When did he claim this happened?
(A) Just yesterday
(B) A year ago
(C) The last month
(D) That very morning
Answer: C
30. How did Max react physically when the knocking at the door began?
(A) He dropped his gun in fear.
(B) He bit his lip nervously.
(C) He smiled confidently.
(D) He hid under the bed.
Answer: B
31. Ausable’s heavy breathing and wheezing highlighted what aspect of his character?
(A) His severe illness
(B) His lack of physical fitness, contrasting with his sharp mental agility
(C) His fear of Max
(D) His old age
Answer: B
32. What word describes Max’s scream as he fell from the sixth floor?
(A) Deep
(B) Muffled
(C) Shrilly
(D) Roaring
Answer: C
33. How did Henry set the tray on the table?
(A) Clumsily
(B) Noisily
(C) Deftly
(D) Angrily
Answer: C
34. Ausable stated that he “wished he knew” how Max learned about what?
(A) The balcony
(B) The police
(C) The report
(D) The passkey
Answer: C
35. Which of the following best describes Robert Arthur’s underlying message in the story?
(A) Physical strength always defeats intelligence.
(B) Secret agents live highly glamorous lives.
(C) Stereotypes and appearances are often highly deceptive.
(D) Hotels in Paris are very dangerous.
Answer: C
36. Assertion (A): Ausable spoke French and German perfectly like a native Parisian.
Reason (R): He had lived in Paris for twenty years after moving there from Boston.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
37. Assertion (A): Fowler was thoroughly disappointed during his initial interaction with Ausable.
Reason (R): Fowler had read many thriller novels and expected to meet a mysterious, fit figure dealing with dark-eyed beauties, not a fat man in a gloomy hotel.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
38. Assertion (A): Max was physically a very intimidating, tall, and heavily muscular man.
Reason (R): Max managed to break into Ausable’s room and hold him at gunpoint.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
39. Assertion (A): Ausable sat down heavily in an armchair and feigned intense anger at the hotel management.
Reason (R): He wanted to seamlessly weave a believable narrative about a nuisance balcony to lay a trap for Max.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
40. Assertion (A): Max entered Ausable’s room by climbing up the fire escape and stepping onto the balcony.
Reason (R): Max stated that using the balcony would have saved him a lot of trouble.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
41. Assertion (A): Ausable ordered drinks to his room right before coming upstairs with Fowler.
Reason (R): Ausable knew Max was waiting inside with a gun and wanted Henry to interrupt them.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: C
42. Assertion (A): Max backed rapidly towards the window when the knocking began.
Reason (R): He believed Ausable’s lie that the police were at the door and wanted to hide on the supposed balcony.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
43. Assertion (A): Henry the waiter was secretly an undercover police officer working for Ausable.
Reason (R): Ausable had secretly sent him a text message to knock loudly to scare Max away.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.
Answer: D
44. Assertion (A): Fowler was terrified and stood stiffly when he saw Max with the pistol.
Reason (R): Fowler finally experienced the authentic, life-threatening thrill of espionage he had been expecting all evening.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: B
45. Assertion (A): Ausable completely lost his composure and begged for his life when the gun was pointed at him.
Reason (R): Ausable lacked physical strength and knew he could not fight an armed man like Max.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
46. How does Robert Arthur use the setting of the “musty corridor” and the “gloomy French hotel” structurally in the narrative?
(A) To prove that Ausable is too poor to afford a good hotel.
(B) To build an intentional anti-climax that lulls Fowler (and the reader) into a false sense of boredom before the sudden plot twist.
(C) To show that Paris is a dirty city.
(D) To explain why Max could easily break into the room.
Answer: B
47. Why is Ausable’s invention of the “police” at the door considered a masterstroke of psychological manipulation?
(A) Because it allowed Ausable to call for help loudly.
(B) Because it triggered Max’s self-preservation instinct, causing him to panic, abandon his mission, and make a rushed, fatal error without Ausable lifting a finger.
(C) Because it proved to Fowler that Ausable had powerful friends.
(D) Because it made Henry the waiter look like a hero.
Answer: B
48. The ending of the story, where the armed intruder is defeated not by a gun, but by an invisible, non-existent balcony, is a classic example of:
(A) Dark situational irony and poetic justice
(B) A tragic flaw in the protagonist
(C) Romantic idealism
(D) Historical non-fiction
Answer: A
49. What is the fundamental psychological contrast between Fowler and Ausable during the crisis?
(A) Fowler is brave but stupid; Ausable is cowardly but smart.
(B) Fowler represents the romanticized, emotional observer paralyzed by reality, while Ausable is the pragmatic, grounded survivor who weaponizes his environment.
(C) Fowler wants to fight Max physically, while Ausable wants to surrender the papers.
(D) Both men react exactly the same way, proving they are equals.
Answer: B
50. What does Ausable’s reaction to Max (“you gave me quite a start”) subtly achieve in the dynamic between the two spies?
(A) It proves to Max that Ausable is terrified and ready to surrender.
(B) It disarms Max’s aggression by treating his life-threatening break-in as merely a mild, annoying surprise rather than a terrifying ambush.
(C) It shows that Ausable is forgetful.
(D) It warns Fowler to run away immediately.
Answer: B
51. Read the following statement with reference to The Midnight Visitor and choose the correct op-tion
Statement 1: Ausable was indeed a clever se-cret agent.
Statement 2: Max was befooled by Ausable.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
52. Read the following statements with reference to’
The Midnight Visitor.’
Statement 1: Ausable was, for one thing, thin.
Statement 2: Max was slender, a little less than tall.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false. and Statement is true.
(C) Both the statements are true.
(D) Both the statements are false.
Answer: B
53. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor” and choose the correct op-tion.
Statement 1: In the story it was proved that Max was a good detective.
Statement 2: Ausable jumped off from the top floor of the French hotel.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement I is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: D
54. Read the following statements with reference to “The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: In the story, Ausable’s presence of mind is more effective than physical strength.
Statement 2: The Midnight Visitor revolves around the lesson that one should not be judged by one’s appearance only.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are true.
(D) Both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
55. Read the following statements and choose the correct option-
Statement 1: Ausable was a very fat person and he could speak French and German passably.
Statement 2: Physical appearance has nothing to do with the profession a detective.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
56. Read the following statements with reference to ‘The Midnight Visitor’ and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: Fowler was disappointed meeting Ausable.
Statement 2: He experienced the first adventur-ous thrill with Ausable.
(A) Statement 1 is true and statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false and statement 2 is true.
(C) Both the Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(D) Both the Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Answer: C
SEBA HSLC Previous Year Questions (4 Marks)
1. “‘The door knob turned. Swiftly Max pushed with his left hand to free himself from the still and drop to the balcony.’ Who was there at the door? Was Max able to jump from the balcony? Why?” {2026}
2. How does Ausable overpower Max’s plan by ‘inventing the balcony’ in “The Midnight Visitors”? {2025}
3. Provide a pen-picture of Ausable. {2024}
4. Narrate how Ausable managed to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room. {2023}
5. Who was following Ausable in the corridor of the French hotel? {2023}
6. Briefly describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. {2022}
7. How does Ausable make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? {2022}
8. Between Ausable and Max, who do you think is more intelligent and why? {2020}
9. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? {2019}
Common Pre-Board 3/4 Mark Questions (2025–26)
1. How did the false story of the balcony help Ausable to get rid of Max? {Bajali}
2. Ausable was a clever secret agent. Justify your answer. {Baksa}
3. Briefly describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. {Barpeta}
4. Fowler’s purpose to meet Ausable was successful. Explain this statement with reference to the story “The Midnight Visitor”. {Bongaigaon}
5. What impression do you form of Ausable as a secret agent from “The Midnight Visitor? {Cachar}
7. Fowler’s day took a one – eighty degree turn by the end of the evening. Examine the statement with reference to “The midnight Visitor”. {Charaideo}
8. Describe the meeting between Ausable and Max. {Darrang}
9. Describe the meeting between Ausable -the secret agent and Fowler-the writer. {Dhubri}
10. Do you think intelligence is more important than physical strength in spy work? Give examples from the story “The Midnight Visitor” to justify your view. {Golaghat}
11. Explain how Ausable used his wit and presence of mind to get rid of Max in the story “The Midnight Visitor” by Robert Arthur.{Hailakandi}
12. How does Ausable overpower Max’s plan by “inventing the balcony” in “The Midnight Visitor”? {Hojai}
13. What makes Ausable a good secret agent? Explain any one quality with reference to the story ‘The Midnight Visitor’? {Jorhat}
14. How does Ausable overpower Max’s plan by ‘inventing the balcony’ in ‘The Midnight Visitor’? (3 Marks) {Kamrup R}
15. Who was Henry? How did he help Ausable to get rid of Max? {Kamrup R}(1+2=3 Marks)
16. How does the story, “The Midnight Visitor” show that – “Presence of mind and intelligence is more powerful than a gun?” {Kamrup M}
17. Who was Fowler? Why did he meet Ausable? Give a description of the meeting. (1+1+2 ){Kokrajhar}
18. What convinced Max to believe in Ausable’s story of a fake balcony? {Udalguri}
19. What fake story was made by Ausable in the hotel room? Did he succeed? {Tamulpur}
20. Describe how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report? {SSM}
21. “Henry unintentionally saved Ausable’s life.” Justify the statement with reference to “The Midnight Visitor.”. {Sribhumi}
22. In the chapter “The Midnight visitor”, Who do you think is more intelligent between ausable and max and why? {Sonitpur}
23. Write briefly the entire incident regarding the balcony from the story “The Midnight Visitor”. {Sibsagar}
24. Describe briefly how Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. {Nalbari}
25. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room? {Morigaon}
26. “Presence of mind is more important than physical strength.” How does Ausable prove this through his actions? {Majuli}
27. Ausable does not fit the typical image of a secret agent, yet he handles a dangerous situation with intelligence and presence of mind. 28. Explain how his behaviour during Fowler’s visit reveals the qualities of an effective spy. {Lakhimpur}
